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            <title>How To Stop Telling Your Sad, Sad Story</title>
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<br /><br /><i><br />Side note: Okay, so the first rule of writing is show and not tell. The same could apply to re-posting a blog. Just get to it, people are busy. I know, but I had to chime in. This message is so on point and something we've probably heard from our mamma (and didn't listen). When I first saw the subject of the post, I assumed that I wouldn't like it. Yes, a stressful day will make even the cheeriest of us a negative-nelly. BUT after reading it, it's just what I needed. I've been studying Buddhism lately, and this message is in line with several of its tenants. Don't worry- Christians, Muslims, Atheists, Rush Limbaughists-it applies to us all. So just read it with an open mind, and check out the entire <a href="http://www.rockyourday.com/">Rock Your Day</a> site while you're&nbsp; at it. Alright, this piece is long enough, so start reading. The original posting has over 100 comments and 200+ re-tweets so that should tell you something!</i> - Candace<br /><br /><br /><font style="font-size: 1.25em;">All of us have at least one area of our life where we feel trapped</font> (either by an external circumstance or by an internal personality trait/habit), and it's been dragging us down for years.&nbsp; We feel powerless to change it, and miserable at the prospect of being stuck as a victim for the rest of our lives.<br /><br />We don't think it will ever change on its own.&nbsp; We don't think we can change it, either.&nbsp; And so we're stuck settling with it.<br /><br /><b>The thing is, this very thought is the highest and grandest form of bullshit, and I'm calling you (and myself!) out on it.<br /></b><br />What you have to understand is that we're not the victim of anything, ever.&nbsp; When we feel powerless over our situation we're not victims - what we're really doing is choosing to become a martyr, because that's the easy way out.<br /><br />Now, before the comment flames start, let me clear in saying that I'm not implying that the bad things in your life are your fault.&nbsp; What happened in the past happened, for whatever reason it happened, and I'm not going there.&nbsp; Someone may have done terrible things to you, or maybe it was just a circumstance of life, and not any particular person's fault - but you were dealt whatever cards you were dealt, and no one can change the past. <a href="http://www.feliciapride.com/backlist/staff">Read entire article.</a><br /><br /><b>Don't want to miss out on great posts and content like this one? Join our <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001BRl1GnvqHBT6evhr_ezHxg%3D%3D">mailing list</a>. Oh and if you know of a friend who might benefit from this creative goodness, share this post!</b><br /><br /><br /><br /> ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/09/how-to-stop-telling-your-sad-sad-story/</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 07:56:12 +0000</pubDate>
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            <title>Get Involved!..50 Faces of Nigeria Media Project</title>
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<br /><br /><br />Dear BackList Readers,

<br /><br />It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to a media project that I've been working on for almost a year now. <b>October 1, 2010 will mark 50 years of independence for Nigeria, Africa's largest country. </b><br /><br />While it's common for mainstream media to share less than positive stories about Nigeria, <b>the truth about the country of my family's origin is so much richer</b>. So I've embarked on a quest to tell Nigeria's story from the mouths of its leaders. 

<b>50 Faces of Nigeria is a media project that encompasses an emotional documentary as well as a compelling coffee table book that will profile 50 Nigerians living around the world who have indelibly impacted their communities</b>. Taking a look at their personal journeys, we also ask them for their perspectives on where Nigeria is today, how Nigeria has used its freedom and where they'd like to see it in the next 50 years. <br /><br />It's a personal work-in-progress that will take a <b>collective</b> to bring to fruition. So if you're able to make a financial contribution toward our goal, <b>please partner with us </b>by going to our site: <a href="http://www.50facesofnigeria.com/">www.50FacesofNigeria.com</a> and clicking the "Donate" button to safely make a donation via PayPal. 

So take a look at our website, join our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and our YouTube channel. <br /><br />You'll be in the know with ALL of the upcoming juicy announcements including how you can help us find our 50th Face.

<br /><br />All the best,<br /><i>Chika</i> <strong><br /><br /><br />Make secure donations on IndieGoGo</strong>: <b><a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/50FacesofNigeria">indiegogo.com/50FacesofNigeria</a></b><br /><strong>Follow us on Twitter</strong> <b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/50facesofnigeria">@50FacesofNigeria</a><br /></b><br /><font style="font-size: 1.25em;"><font style="font-size: 0.8em;"><br /></font><font style="font-size: 1.25em;"><font style="font-size: 0.8em;">Check out the</font> 50 Faces of Nigeria Trailer!</font></font> <big><strong><br /></strong></big>
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<br /><br /><br /><b>Don't want to miss out on great posts and content like this one? Join our <a href="http://http//visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001BRl1GnvqHBT6evhr_ezHxg%3D%3D">mailing list</a>. Oh and if you know of a friend who might benefit from this creative goodness, share this post!</b>]]></description>
            <link>http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/09/50-faces-of-nigeria-media-project-get-involved/</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:24:13 +0000</pubDate>
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            <title>Define Your Grind: A BackList PSA...for Creatives </title>
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<br /><br /><font style="font-size: 1.25em;"><br /><b><br /><font style="font-size: 1em;">"On my grind all the time"</font></b></font><br /><br />We know you've heard it, and maybe even said it. It's a catchy phrase that can sometimes be taken too literally and way too seriously. This video pokes fun, and uncovers the truth behind the infamous<i> grind</i>. So get a snack, or sneak into the bathroom at work to watch this on your iPhone (we won't tell). <br /><br /><font style="font-size: 1.5625em;"><br /><i>Define Your Grind</i> </font><br />(an original *CSA by the BackList) starring Felicia Pride &amp; Fellina Pride.<br /><object style="height: 400px; width: 250px;"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MnPiR5pGjKQ?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></object>


<br /><br />*Creative Service Announcement - a Public Service Announcement for Creatives<br /><br /><font style="font-size: 1.25em;"><br /><b>Build with us on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/backlist">@BackList</a><br /><br /></b></font><p><b>Don't want to miss out on great posts and content like this one? Join our <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001BRl1GnvqHBT6evhr_ezHxg%3D%3D">mailing list</a>. Oh and if you know of a friend who might benefit from this creative goodness, share this post!</b></p><br /> ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/09/define-your-grind-a-backlist-psafor-creatives/</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:05:09 +0000</pubDate>
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            <title>PSO: Let us shout you out</title>
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<br /><br /><br />Okay, so we didn't make up the concept of shout-outs. But we do know how hard it can be when you're in the trenches creating, sometimes barely coming up for air.<br /><br />That's why we're starting <b>PSOs (Project Shout-outs)</b>. ALL projects are eligible at this point, at virtually every stage of completion. <br /><br />We're open: upcoming book, film, art show, album, new business, event? You name it. <br /><br />We'll try to do at least two a month, and depending on the response maybe weekly. <br />They'll be short and sweet, and we'll post any related links, videos, etc with your piece. <br /><br />Feel free to nominate someone for a project shout-out as well. We're looking for creativity, enthusiasm<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"></span> (if you're not excited why would anyone else care?), or any type of perseverance (we love that). <br /><br />It's easy...so don't be shy. <br /><b><br />Contact Candace at candace@thebacklist.net to see how you can get involved (subject line: Project Shout Out or "PSO" for short)</b><br /><br /><br /><font style="font-size: 1.25em;"><b>Build with us on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/backlist">@BackList</a><br /><br /></b></font><p><b>Don't want to miss out on great posts and content like this one? Join our <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001BRl1GnvqHBT6evhr_ezHxg%3D%3D">mailing list</a>. Oh and if you know of a friend who might benefit from this creative goodness, share this post!</b></p>&nbsp;<br /><br /> ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/09/pso-let-us-shout-you-out/</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:21:08 +0000</pubDate>
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            <title>What do you want to Discover? </title>
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<br /><br /><br /><b>We want to hear from you. </b><br /><br />With this month's CREATE theme being <a href="http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/09/september-is-all-about-discovery/">Discovery</a> we want to share more information as it relates to media, education, and entertainment...you know, stuff. <br /><br />You can look forward to more tips this month, and advice from experts in their fields. Of course, we'll continue to share books, e-booklets, lesson plans, videos and more as part of our "value added". Also, look forward to something NEW with <a href="http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/09/pso-let-us-shout-you-out/"><b>Project Shout-Outs</b></a> from Creatives.<br /><br />So what's something new that you've been meaning to learn? Or even brush up on? Maybe you're looking to start a business, publish a book, make an album? Or maybe you're a teacher who wants to learn new ways to incorporate art and technology into your lesson plans?<br /><b><br />Maybe you just want to discover how to balance it all...we feel you. </b><br /><br />In the meantime, take a look back at August, our first month of <a href="http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/08/create-the-movement/">CREATE</a> <br /><i><font style="font-size: 1.25em;"><b><br />AUGUST RE-CAP</b>:</font><br />Last month</i> <i>we</i>...<br /><br /><ul><li>learned that<a href="http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/08/timeis-not-renewable/"> Time...is Not Renewable</a> with Felicia Pride's introspective piece.</li><li>heard from over 20 Creatives from all fields about what ReNEWal means to them (everyone from authors <a href="http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/08/what-renewal-means-to-carleen-brice/">Carleen Brice</a> like to a DMV <a href="http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/08/what-renewal-means-to-judah/">music producer</a>)</li><li>learned about the <a href="http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/08/10-africanamerican-film-producers-fueling-the-business-of-hollywood/">10 Black Filmmakers Fueling the Industry</a>&nbsp; (TP didn't make the list, so you'll probably learn about someone new...there are others lol)</li><li>...and got FREE stuff! Like the e-booklets, <a href="http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/08/educators-are-creatorsfree-ebooklet/">Educators are Creators</a> by Annie Gordon, and <a href="http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/08/if-you-dont-know-her-by-now-meet-fellina-pride/">Renewal &amp; Mental Health</a> by Fellina Pride <br /></li></ul><br /><b>Of course, this is just a taste, so check out the blog often and stay connected: <a href="http://twitter.com/backlist">@backlist</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/feliciapride">@feliciapride</a></b><br /><br />+ Make sure to check out <a href="http://facebook.com/thebacklist"><font style="font-size: 1.25em;"><b>BackList Recommends</b></font></a> (our Amazon store with great book and music finds)<br /><br /><br /><b>Don't want to miss out on great posts and content like this one? Join our <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001BRl1GnvqHBT6evhr_ezHxg%3D%3D">mailing list</a>. Oh and if you know of a friend who might benefit from this creative goodness, share this post!</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> ]]></description>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:42:25 +0000</pubDate>
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            <title>September is All About Discovery</title>
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<br /><br />This month's <a href="http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/08/create-the-movement/">CREATE </a>theme is discovery. We thought it was more than appropriate to follow August's <a href="http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/08/felicia-pride-on-renewal/">ReNEWal t</a>heme because it's important to recover before heading on what could be a long, confusing, yet ultimately gratifying journey of self-discovery. <br /><br />It's amazing how much we say we can't do until we're forced to do it.<br /><br />I recently wrote a <a href="http://theloop21.com/money/black-women-hair-and-the-economy">piece</a> about some of the things I just didn't do. These included: plumbing, snow shoveling, and styling my hair. Before the recession hit.<br /><br />In the midst of financial mess, I found myself: 1. purchasing a toilet auger from Home Depot to unclog my toilet 2. shoveling several feet of snow like I was getting paid for it 3. buying clippers to cut my own hair. <br /><br />And you know what? I felt damn good doing all of them. I think they call it empowering. <br /><br />I realized the limits we place on ourselves for no real rhyme or reason. But when we're backed into a corner, we discover hidden talents, interests, and strengths. <br /><br />The whole backing oneself into a corner works, but it's clearly not the most effective method. It's slow and sometimes the opportunity never presents itself.<br /><br />So this month, BackList is proposing this: What if you discover new talents, interests, passions, and strengths on your own without being put in a do-or-die scenario? <br /><br />What if you push yourself out of your comfort zone and spend time discovering the hidden capabilities of YOU?<br /><br />What will you start doing that you said you couldn't/wouldn't do that will ultimately help you creatively?<br /><br />The thing about discovery is that it can take you on many paths, so we'll be exploring many of these this month through video, free goodies, great articles, and more!<br /><br />With your help of course.&nbsp; Tell us about your own self-discovery both in the past and during September and beyond. <a href="mailto:info@thebacklist.net">Email us</a>. Drop us a note on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thebacklist">Facebook</a>. Join the conversation on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/backlist">Twitter</a>, hashtag: #createmovement. And ensure you're on our <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001BRl1GnvqHBT6evhr_ezHxg%3D%3D">mailing list</a>.<br /><br />--Felicia Pride&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> ]]></description>
            <link>http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/09/september-is-all-about-discovery/</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:56:15 +0000</pubDate>
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            <title>Educators are Creators-FREE E-Booklet!</title>
            <description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php" type="button_count" name="fb_share">Share</a>
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 <br /><br /><br /><font style="FONT-SIZE: 1.25em"><b>"There are teachers who should receive an Academy Award for their work and the success they achieve with their students."</b></font><br />
<div align="right">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <font style="FONT-SIZE: 1.25em">-<font style="FONT-SIZE: 0.8em"> Annie Gordon</font></font></div>
<div align="right">&nbsp;</div>
<div align="left">Annie Gordon is our "Sensei Mentor" at BackList. <br /><br />She's a master educator with over 30 years in education, and now leads BackList's education component. With her extensive experience in shaping young minds and mentoring teachers, Annie will continue to share her knowledge and resources.<br /><br />In her e-booklet<font style="FONT-SIZE: 1.25em"> <i>Educators are Creatives</i> <font style="FONT-SIZE: 0.8em">you'll find:</font></font><br /><br /></div>
<ul>
<li>How effective teachers use creative methods</li>
<li>Integrating technology and arts with students</li>
<li>How education ties into the CREATE movement</li>
<li>Ways to connect with the BackList</li></ul><font style="FONT-SIZE: 1.25em"><font style="FONT-SIZE: 1em"><font style="FONT-SIZE: 0.8em">Join the discussion. Are you an educator or just have a passion for it? How do you plan to "build" creative minds this school year?</font></font></font><br /><br /><b><font style="FONT-SIZE: 1.25em">SHARING RESOURCE:</font><br />+</b>Download<b>&nbsp;</b>
<span style="DISPLAY: inline" class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-file"><a href="http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/images/Educators%20are%20Creatives%20-%20A%20BackList%20E-Booklet%5B1%5D.pdf">Educators are Creatives - A BackList E-Booklet[1].pdf</a></span><font style="FONT-SIZE: 1.25em"><font style="FONT-SIZE: 1em"><b><font style="FONT-SIZE: 0.8em"><br /><br /></font></b></font></font><b>Don't want to miss out on great posts and content like this one? Join our <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001BRl1GnvqHBT6evhr_ezHxg%3D%3D">mailing list.</a> Oh and if you know of a friend who might benefit from this creative goodness, share this post! </b><br /><br /><br /><br />]]></description>
            <link>http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/08/educators-are-creatorsfree-ebooklet/</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:14:48 +0000</pubDate>
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            <title>White mothers, Black nannies</title>
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<font style="font-size: 1.5625em;"><br /><br /><b>Is there a transfer of power involved between mother and nanny?</b></font><br /><br /><br />The nanny acquisition is a given for affluent families.<br /><br />Chances are you've seen this: black woman, young/old, pushing an expensive stroller that houses a white child, who more often than not, isn't her own. In growing numbers, the child belongs to a white upper class couple who resides in one of America's hip neighborhoods.<br /><br />  Journalist <a href="http://loritharps.com/">Lori L. Tharps</a> makes an effort to humanize and complicate this particular trend of black nannies and white mothers in her new book <i>Substitute Me</i> (Atria, August 2010). This undertaking came to her as a new mom living in Brooklyn who was struck by the proliferation of black women carting around white babies.<br /><br />  "It may be just the way it is," Tharps muses, "but it still kind of sends shivers up my spine when I see it." Although, she admits she has babysat for white children. "It is not wrong," she adds. "It doesn't have to be a racial issue. In individual instances it's not a big deal, but again, if someone from another country came to view nanny culture in New York City, there would be some explaining to do as to why only black women take care of white babies."   <a href="http://www.theloop21.com/society/white-mothers-black-nannies">Read entire article.</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Don't want to miss out on great posts and content like this one? Join our <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001BRl1GnvqHBT6evhr_ezHxg%3D%3D">mailing list.</a> Oh and if you know of a friend who might benefit from this creative goodness, share this post! </b><br />]]></description>
            <link>http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/08/white-mothers-black-nannies/</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:13:37 +0000</pubDate>
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            <title>10 African-American Film Producers Fueling The Business of Hollywood</title>
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<br /><br />Producers. They're the ones behind the scenes of our favorite movies who work tirelessly to make stuff happen. They are the business behind the media, putting together all the necessary pieces--from casting to budget to distribution-that turn an idea into cinema. Sure, you've heard of Ice Cube, whose one of the most active Black film producers in Hollywood these days, and all the other A-list actors who've naturally spawned off their own production companies, but there are other less well-known producers out there, helping to fuel the entertainment machine called Hollywood. Here are ten (individual and teams) black film producers who toil behind the scenes so that we can sit back, relax, and be entertained.<br /><br /><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Stephanie-Allen-Bailey.jpg" src="http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/images/Stephanie-Allen-Bailey.jpg" class="mt-image-right" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 20px 20px; float: right;" height="146" width="217" /></span><strong>Stephanie Allain Bray</strong><br />Although she's been a VP of production at Columbia and President of Jim
Henson Pictures, Bray has also been a midwife, helping to shepherd
Hollywood careers of filmmakers like John Singleton and Darnell Martin.
In 2003, she launched her own company, Homegrown Films where she's
produced a range of projects including<em> Hustle &amp; Flow, Something New, </em>and<em> Black Snake Moan</em>. <br /><font style="font-size: 1em;"><b><a href="http://www.atlantapost.com/2010/08/26/10-african-american-film-producers-fueling-the-business-of-hollywood/2/">NEXT</a></b></font><br /><br /> <div><b>Don't want to miss out on great posts and content like this one? Join our <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001BRl1GnvqHBT6evhr_ezHxg%3D%3D">mailing list.</a> Oh and if you know of a friend who might benefit from this creative goodness, share this post! </b><br /><br /><br /></div>]]></description>
            <link>http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/08/10-africanamerican-film-producers-fueling-the-business-of-hollywood/</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:52:40 +0000</pubDate>
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            <title>Film REmixed: Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World</title>
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<br /><br /><br /><br />This film had me at hello.<br /><br />If you don't know, <i><a href="http://www.scottpilgrimthemovie.com/">Scott Pilgrim vs. The World</a></i> is an action-comedy film directed by English filmmaker Edgar Wright. The film is an adaptation of the Scott Pilgrim graphic novel series created by Bryan Lee O'Malley. It was a bag of goodies: reality meets video-game-alternate-
universe. Plus the whole geeky slacker wants girl, gets girl, must
defeat girl's seven evil exes thing was cool too.<br /><br />Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera), the 22-old unemployed Canadian indie band member has an Asian 17-year old overly-platonic girlfriend situation with Knives Chau (Ellen Wong). Her perky naivety and slight obsession with Cera's character was a nice balance to his obsession with his object of affection Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) - the "too cool for school" type chic with a rough exterior and ever-changing hair color. He barely batted an eye, as he realizes he has to fight seven super villains to keep her. Well he does whine a bit, but he's determined to keep her...hormones at its best.<br /><br />Did I mention Scott's gay roommate, with whom he shared a bed with? Okay, there was a lot going on in this movie, but it's an action-comedy video game slash movie. I'd be disappointed otherwise.<br /><br />Anyone looking for life-changing cinema would surely be disappointed. But the filmmakers took risks, by using special effects in abundance often in the middle of a scene with graphics and fonts scrolling in the background. They worked to defy reality with sometimes immature yet brilliant techniques: coins fell from the evil exes as Scott defeated them; evil exes came into the scenes out of nowhere ready to fight. Most of them looking ridiculous, much like video game villains of the 90s, which added to the comedy factor.<br /><br />Overall, <i>Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World</i> is Mortal Combat (repetitive fight scenes), Super Mario brothers (get the Princess), and every teenage movie with the "geeky guy gets cool hard to get girl" premise. It was a fun movie, and visually refreshing. Definitely recommended to anyone who drools over mixed media art film. <br /><br />Besides, who doesn't want to see Cera fight? Geeky heroes are hot!<br /><br />--Candace Simmons<br />

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p><b>

 
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            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:55:17 +0000</pubDate>
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            <title>What ReNEWal means to: Ajani Truth </title>
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<font style="font-size: 1.5625em;"><br /><br /><br /><b>Name: Ajani Truth</b></font><br /><br /><b>I Create</b>: photography<br /><br /><b>Current Project(s)</b>:&nbsp; Fashion/Beauty Photography; UAU Open Mic Photographer<br /><br /><b>Up Next</b>: more music &amp; photojournalism; continuing to learn <br /><br /><b>Find Me Online</b>: <a href="http://www.ajanitruth.com/">www.ajanitruth.com</a><br /><br /><b>ReNEWal means</b>: an opportunity to improve everyday<br /><br /><br /><br /><font style="font-size: 1.25em;">Check out Ajani's behind-the-scene video interview!</font><br />
<object style="height: 400px; width: 250px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/phktLczx7Cg" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/phktLczx7Cg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="344" width="425"></object>
<br />Video by Olawale of <a href="http://4sightpictures.com/">4SightPictures</a>

<br /><br /><font style="font-size: 1em;"><b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><font style="font-size: 1.25em;">Find out what ReNEWal means to MahoganyBooks owner,<br /><a href="http://http//www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/08/what-renewal-means-to-derrick-a-young/">Derrick A. Young</a><br /><br /></font></b></font><b>Don't want to miss out on great posts and content like this one? Join our <a href="http://%3ca%20href=%22http//visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001BRl1GnvqHBT6evhr_ezHxg%3D%3D%22%3Emailing%20list%3C/a%3E">mailing 
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            <link>http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/2010/08/what-renewal-means-to-ajani-truth/</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:58:54 +0000</pubDate>
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            <title>Renew, Repeat, Renew by Tara L. Masih</title>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>When I was asked to write a brief essay on the subject of renewal as a first-time author, I drew a blank. Why? Because I soon realized that the necessary action of renewal takes place before someone gets to be labeled a "first-time author."<br /><br />Renewal is what every beginning writer needs to survive the process of relentless rejection and critique. Just as minorities must teach themselves to renew their self-confidence and self-worth after every breach of kindness and tolerance, writers need to find a personal place of renewal to get past each form rejection, each well-meaning personal rejection ("we loved this but it isn't quite right for us"), and each poorly offered bit of advice ("it's too quiet, something more needs to happen").<br /><br />I've known writers more talented than I am, but they will never be "first-timers" because they give up easily. That renewal process is out of reach for them. I don't know if it's something that needs to be taught or is inherent. Perhaps drive is linked to renewal. Something needs to trigger a need so strong that it pushes forward despite any obstacle. Or maybe it's simple pigheadedness. Then again, maybe it's those of us for whom things have not come easily who learn to renew and not just survive, but grow and flourish.<br /><br />For me, renewal has always been linked to nature. I wasn't surprised to hear of a recent study that found that people who take walks in parks and woods live longer than those who walk on city streets or treeless roads. During every hardship, I've found some peace in walking in a wooded area, or in gardening and digging in the earth. This connection to renewal and nature is inherent in my writing. No characters in my stories appear outside of the natural world. They are in it, surrounded by it, even smothered by it in some cases; but they are all linked, and renewed, or changed by it in some way.<br /><br />So what has renewal meant to me as a writer? It's the many times I've picked myself up after a rejection. It's repetition--renewal is constant, even in the cell structure of our bodies. You don't just do it once or twice, but over and over. Now that one book is out, I'll have to find a way to renew my motivation and confidence again and again while working on the second book.<br /><br />Find what restores you, and get on with it. Life's too short, and you have something important to say.<br /><br />&nbsp;--Tara L. Masih (<a href="http://www.taramasih.com/">www.taramasih.com</a>) <br /><br />Tara L. Masih is editor of <i>The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Writing Flash Fiction</i> (a ForeWord Book of the Year) and author of <i>Where the Dog Star Never Glows: Stories</i>. She has published fiction, poetry, and essays in numerous anthologies and literary magazines (including <i>Confrontation, Hayden's Ferry Review, Natural Bridge, Red River Review, Night Train</i>, and <i>The Caribbean Write</i>r), and judges the annual Intercultural Essay Award for the Soul-Making Competition. Awards for her work include first place in The Ledge Magazine's fiction contest and Pushcart Prize, Best New American Voices, and Best of the Web nominations.<br /><br /><br /><b>Don't want to miss out on great posts and content like this one? Join our <a href="http://www.taramasih.com/">mailing list</a>. Oh and if you know of a friend who might benefit from this creative goodness, share this post! </b><br />

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            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:27:40 +0000</pubDate>
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            <title>REview: Gil Scott-Heron</title>
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<br /><br /><br /><b><br />You could ask a hundred different people what they think about Gil Scott-Heron and get a thousand different answers.</b>&nbsp; As much as I feel a creative connection to the man, the soul that brought us the "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" at the age of 19. With more than 15 studio albums to his credit, and a trail of regret fueled by drug addition, I'd probably remain silent.<br /><br />I guess at the beginning I was like most people in my generation. We were familiar, but the pieces were fragmented. Isn't he that guy from the Last Poets? Knowing good and well that we could barely name all of the Last Poets anyway. It's not arrogance, just naivety. I mean I haven't heard much from him in my two plus decades on this earth, so I guess he's not really relevant...just legendary. Is that even possible?<br /><br /><b>Since this is a "REview" let me rewind a bit.</b> It was 2004, and I was working in my first corporate job after college. It didn't fit me, and I didn't fit it. I'm an artist, in every since of the word, so I guess I was a cliché. I befriended a woman named Ife, a fellow slave of this institution. <br /><br />Even though she was about 20 years older, she was cool. The type of woman that wears Converses, drinks wine, and tells men what she really thinks without a second thought. She's one of those people that you couldn't sum up in a lifetime. Way too wise, with a sharp tongue, and a sensitive soul. If I were to ever meet Gil Scott-Heron, I would expect him to be the <b>same. <br /><br />She introduced us.<br />&nbsp;</b><br />When she asked me if I knew who he was, I said "no." I knew just by seeing her head nod, as she contemplated on where to begin, that I was about to be taken to school. We treated that day like an ode to Gil Scott-Heron--squished in her cubicle pretending to be busy with work as we listened to his words and sounds online. I was grateful for the lesson. This dude was amazing, and I really liked the way he looked. I mean <b>Gil Scott-Heron was a beautiful man! </b>See for yourself:<span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/reflectionsGILSCOTT1.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.feliciapride.com/blog/reflectionsGILSCOTT1.php','popup','width=211,height=207,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">View image</a></span><b>&nbsp; </b><br /><br />But I remembered feeling a twinge of lost as Ife shamefully regarded him in the same feign as a family member that's too painful to love. &nbsp;<br /><br />She introduced me to his other side: the drugs.<br /><b><br />I figured he played the other artist stereotype: the junkie</b>. It wasn't something that I wanted to associate with the genius that I heard blasting from her speakers that day. So I didn't. I comforted myself in the thought that it was most likely a habit in his past, though I knew this to be unlikely.<br /><br />Fast forward to 2010, and in that time between me learning about him in 2004, he has been arrested for cocaine possession and other charges more times than I'd like to count. <b>So why in the world is Gil Scott-Heron the BackList Artist of the Month for August? </b><br /><br />Is it because he's been described as "the godfather of rap," a title he neither claims or agrees with? Or is it his extensive body of work that spans the last four decades? Maybe we're just tripping on the fact that his latest album is entitled, <i>I'm New Here</i>. I mean this is the month of ReNEWal -- a simple play of words may be all that's necessary to suffice.<br /><br />But we like to think it's a bit deeper than that. I mean all of the above applies when making a decision about honoring someone: do they fit with what you're trying to convey? Are they relevant...are they worthy?<br /><br />I would guess as far as Gil Scott-Heron is concerned some would say yes, while many would say no. Unfortunately, he still battles with addiction to this day. He's lost friends to it and severed business ties. I'm sure that without it his star would have shined much brighter, and we'd all describe him in much higher regard with great recognition. Not vague pieces of history. <br /><br />Oh, and as far as his new album I'm New Here. In one word, it's "dope"- no pun intended. I like when people, say "it's not what they expected" from him. I'm sure with his history, that's all he wants is for someone to underestimate him, as he rises up on the higher end. <br /><font style="font-size: 1em;"><br /><b>The BackList recognizes Gil Scott-Heron because we know that true ReNEWal is a lifetime process--no matter how many albums, books, or accolades you may have. Or how many mistakes you've made. <br /><br />Sometimes ReNEWal is just plain ole messy.</b></font><br />

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            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:15:06 +0000</pubDate>
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            <title>ReNEWal: A Chef&apos;s POV</title>
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<font style="font-size: 1.25em;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Sometimes we don't have to look far for ingredients to make our days a little more flavorful.</b></font><br /><br />You can renew your work and creative place with fresh scents and herbs as natural aromatherapy. I like to keep mint, sage and basil handy in the kitchen and in my room. The scents are lovely all mingled together. Lavender and lemongrass are also two of my favorites, but not specifically for eating. Each scent has its own effect on the brain and human body. Just make sure you keep them away from your animals. They aren't toxic, but it's heartbreaking to nurture a plant to find it's become your kitty's favorite snack.<br /><br />Keeping basil at your office desk is a great way to spruce up another boring box lunch. A few sprigs on a sandwich add a nice refreshing change. Consider adding basil or sage to a jar of mayonnaise. It may change colors after a few days, but it's just soaking in the flavors. The longer some things sit, the better they taste. That works with olive oil too. Roughly chop about 1 tablespoon of rosemary or thyme and add it to a bottle of EVOO (thanks Rachel Ray!) and let it sit for a week or more. You have your own flavored olive oil! <br /><br />Cooking isn't always about knowing and adding one hundred spices to a dish. A few tablespoons of fresh, natural homegrown herbs to a batch of homemade cornbread can make anyone think you are a gourmet chef.<br /><br />Don't forget about the vegetables in the bottom of your crisper. Got limp celery, scallions, carrots? Soak them in cold water to get their crunch back and then chop them up with stir-fry noodles and enjoy a nice soup.<br /><br />All these are refreshing changes to old classic recipes. Renew your kitchen, your taste buds, and your nostrils with a few new freshly potted herbs. <br /><br />
	
 
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            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:44:32 +0000</pubDate>
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            <title>What ReNEWal means to: Derrick A. Young</title>
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><font style="font-size: 1.5625em;"><b>Name:&nbsp; Derrick A. Young</b></font><br /><br /><b>I Create</b>: MahoganyBooks<br /><br /><b>Current Project(s)</b>: Books for the Block, Story Time for BabyBloomers<br /><br /><b>Up Next</b>: Author Reading Series<br /><br /><b>Find Me Online</b>: www.MahoganyBooks.com<br /><br /><b>ReNEWal means</b>: finding the strength inside of you to reinvest yourself, day in and day out, into a purpose that is bigger than you. The only way to find the commitment to continue down this road, which at times tests your limits, is to have great love and passion for what you are doing.&nbsp; For the most part, my source of ReNEWal comes directly from my family and community.&nbsp; My desire to see them happy and at peace gives me the strength to grow, succeed, fail, and grow again, until they are far better off than how I first found them.<br /><font style="font-size: 1.25em;"><b><br /><font style="font-size: 1em;"><br /><br />Find out what ReNEWal means to graphic designer <a href="http://www.mahoganybooks.com/">Rishawna Gould</a></font></b></font> <br />


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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:18:30 +0000</pubDate>
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